Konate injury doubt? Liverpool lineup vs Man Utd in FA Cup quarter-final showdown predicted

Liverpool face a trip to Manchester United this Sunday, where a place in the FA Cup's final four is up for grabs, ahead of the international break.

Jurgen Klopp might have hoped for an easier draw as his side chase an unlikely quadruple in his final months as Liverpool manager, but the Reds have already gone to Arsenal and won in this year's competition and will go into Sunday's game as slight favourites.

Following the 2-0 third-round win over the Gunners, Liverpool saw off Norwich 5-2, while the the youngsters rose to the occasion amid an injury crisis to see off Southampton 3-0 at the end of February.

Klopp will have a bigger pool of players to choose for Sunday's quarter final, but there are still more than a few absentees.

United, despite an inconsistent season are not an opponent to be taken lightly, while the Erik ten Hag's side will be desperate to stop their fierce rivals from continuing the march towards another trip to Wembley.

Here's how Liverpool could line up to face Manchester United for a place in the FA Cup semi finals.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson is still out and Caoimhin Kelleher will continue to deputise, making his tenth consecutive first-team outing.

While Trent Alexander-Arnold is slated for a return after the international break, he won't be involved this weekend, with Conor Bradley set to maintain the right back berth he has excelled in during the vice-captain's absence.

The biggest question in defence will be over Virgil van Dijk's partner in the middle, with Ibrahima Konate still a major doubt.

The Frenchman was substituted during the first leg of Liverpool's 5-1 round of 16 first-leg win over Sparta Prague and has sat the last two. Klopp has admitted the 24-year-old is likely to miss the trip to Old Trafford. Should he be ruled out, 20-year-old Jarell Quansah held his own against Erling Haaland and could be in line for another big start.

At left back, Andy Robertson should make the XI, though the ever-impressive Joe Gomez remains an option across the backline.

Midfield

Wataru Endo, Player of the Match last weekend, has made himself undroppable for the big games and could be included from the start at Old Trafford.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister will likely make up a full midfield trio of summer signings, the same as started against City, though Harvey Elliott's recent form makes him a strong contender.

None of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara or Stefan Bajcetic are expected to be available for the weekend, meaning youngsters Bobby Clark and James McConnell will surely get bench roles.

Attack

Mo Salah has still not started a league game for Liverpool since New Year's Day, but surely is in line for a full return here.

The Egyptian has scored more goals against Manchester United (12) than any other opponent in his career.

With the international break to follow and Liverpool not featuring again until the very end of the month, there will be less concern about risking Darwin Nunez, who should start.

Luis Diaz remains the Reds' standout option on the left, though Cody Gakpo — who turned down United interest for Liverpool — could be involved.

Heroes of the previous round Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas might earn spots in the matchday squad, based on availability.

Predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Manchester United

(4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz